DESCRIPTION:
Instead of proceeding with the Eurofighter project, France decided to
develop its own advanced next-generation fighter. First known as the ACX, this new design later became the
Rafale. The design incoporates canards and a fly-by-wire control system for exceptional maneuverability as
well as radar-absorbant paint and shaping contoured to improve stealth.

The Rafale C is a single seat attack fighter for the Air Force while the Rafale M is a navalized version
designed to operate from French aircraft carriers. France originally planned to build 94 one-seat and 140
two-seat aircraft for the Air Force and 86 for the Navy. The Rafale is intended to replace the Air Force's
Mirage III, Mirage 5,
Mirage F.1, Jaguar, and
Mirage IVP as well as the Navy's F-8 Crusader and
Super Etendard.

Another 60 Rafales were ordered in 2008 committing France to purchasing a total of 286. By 2009, 60 had
been delivered including 17 Rafale M models for the Navy. The production rate was also cut from 14 to 11
per year in a cost-saving measure.

Dassault has aggressively pursued export sales but has so far been unsuccessful completing an order. By
2011, discussions were ongoing with eight potential customers including Brazil, Libya, India, the United
Arab Emirates, and Bulgaria.